OEM drive shaft vs. DSS drive shaft

Benz · 06-19-2009, 05:33 AM

I have done alot of research and asking around, but still haven't come to a conclusion of whether the OEM or refurbished drive shafts are better or replace it with a DSS (drive shaft shop) drive shaft. Basically, my right side drive shaft boot was cracked open for 6+ months but I have been to lazy and hesitant to replace it. I recently found a new mechanical shop and they say getting a refurbished drive shaft only cost around $120-150 compared to DSS drive shaft that's around $300. My car is for daily driving only (maybe track in future) but my car is lowered alot, that is why my drive shaft went after 37000kms. Thus, is it better to just replace it with refurbished ones, or get a boot rebuild kit, or just change to a DSS one??

Thanks,

Dark · 06-19-2009, 06:53 AM

refurbished CV shafts almost always come with cheap boots that crack/tear 10x easier than stock.

stock or DSS would be my recommendation.

Benz · 06-19-2009, 09:06 AM

Really? But even the shop/friends said the refurbished one should be up to OEM specs. Unless there's different companies doing it. Because brand new OEM and DSS is expensive!!

afici0nad0 · 06-19-2009, 11:32 AM

you suspension mods are a direct result of your drive shaft failure?

Dark · 06-19-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benz

Really? But even the shop/friends said the refurbished one should be up to OEM specs. Unless there's different companies doing it. Because brand new OEM and DSS is expensive!!

Of course the remanufacturer is going to build them differently but their sole goal is to rebuild them and sell them cheaper than oem cost. Speaking from experience, I have never seen a refurb'd CV axle come with quality boots and the one time that I actually used a refurbised CV axle I went to the dealer and purchased replacement oem boots.

The cheapest route for you would be to buy new boots and axle grease and re-do them yourself. I'm sure the cups are fine.

Benz · 06-23-2009, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afici0nad0

you suspension mods are a direct result of your drive shaft failure?

Not directly, indirectly. Technically, my ride height or the amount I dropped my car is the direct result of my drive shaft failure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark

Of course the remanufacturer is going to build them differently but their sole goal is to rebuild them and sell them cheaper than oem cost. Speaking from experience, I have never seen a refurb'd CV axle come with quality boots and the one time that I actually used a refurbised CV axle I went to the dealer and purchased replacement oem boots.

The cheapest route for you would be to buy new boots and axle grease and re-do them yourself. I'm sure the cups are fine.

That's what my friend and one of the shop owner said. But my boot has probably been cracked opened for more than 5 months. With the amount of debris inside there, I am not sure I will be able to rebuild my drive shaft with a new boot. That's why some people suggest me replacing the whole drive shaft.

Dark · 06-24-2009, 06:48 PM

Unless you feel a vibration (usually under load but cruising counts as well) then they are probably fine.

It would be cheaper for you to re-grease them up, replace the boot(s), and have them die a few months/years down the road rather spend the money for full replacements now.

MrHeeltoe · 06-24-2009, 06:54 PM

The new OEM replacement ones we have been getting are really pretty nice. DSS might be a little overbuilt.

Dark · 06-24-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHeeltoe

The new OEM replacement ones we have been getting are really pretty nice. DSS might be a little overbuilt.

What's the cost for each if you don't mine sharing?

MrHeeltoe · 06-24-2009, 07:47 PM

Axle Shaft - Drivetrain - 2003-2008 Acura TSX & JDM Honda Accord CL7 CL9 - HeelToe Automotive

Check it out!

Dark · 06-24-2009, 08:34 PM

wow, $150 for the oem. scratch my solution to rebuild, just replace it with new.

Benz · 06-25-2009, 10:41 PM

^ That's what I am thinking too. I saw new driveshaft for only $150 while the shop I went to say rebuilding my boot is $125 + 1.5hr labour. Replacing the whole driveshaft only takes 1hr labour. In the end, it's the same cost.... but you said the OEM shafts are better. That's why i still don't know if I should do the replacement now. I don't want my car to screw up somehow when I want to take hard corners.

MrHeeltoe · 06-26-2009, 03:36 PM

We've sold 3-4 sets of the new oem replacements and 2-3 sets of the DSS ones. Too soon to tell if they last longer than the originals really.

This really is not an issue with lowering at all though. Not everyone is getting worn axles.

I am not ready to say one is better than the other really. But if the genuine ones were that good....would they be having problems?

ians · 07-02-2009, 12:41 PM

Seems like I got the drive shaft issue too. My car also shaking between 95km/hr & 120 km/hr. And I already roadforce balanced my tires. So are both drive shaft shotted? or usually only 1 side and how to tell which side? My car is still under warranty but since I have tein basic(but I only lower it for 1.5") on so I bet the stearler will give me hard time to have this done through warranty. Or is it worth to take out the tein and go back for warranty?

CCColtsicehockey · 07-02-2009, 06:04 PM

my passenger side one is shot as well. it clicks while turning really loud. I don't feel it through the steering wheel yet though. However I am probably gonna replace with the DSS ones most likely though.